The American Dream and the economy

What’s going on with the American Dream now that the country faces financial crisis?

Slightly more than half of Americans are concerned that they or someone they know will face foreclosure, according to new survey from Realtor.com and Move.com.

About 15 percent are having a tough time making mortgage payments due to rising interest rates on variable-rate loans, while 18.8 percent are concerned about paying the mortgage because they have too much debt. And unemployment – or fear of it – is making people worry about foreclosure, the survey shows.

But people are still optimistic about attaining the American Dream despite the rough economic times.

Nearly a quarter of adults say they plan to purchase a home in the next five years.

And more than 62 percent now say they consider their home a place to live – not an investment.

The results of the survey are based on 1,005 interviews conducted from March 6 to 8.